🇻🇮St. Croix

Crucian Contessa’s West Indian-Style Pumpkin Spice Latte: Taste of the Caribbean

Editor’s note: With Thanksgiving now right around the corner, The Crucian Contessa is back with a tasty recipe for a West Indian-style Pumpkin Spice Latte that’s sure to warm our hearts on the cool fall and winter days ahead.

I have come to believe that the reason why everyone raves about Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is not just because it tastes good (although I must confess I have never tried it), but because it is one of the few times of the year that commercial food producers give our spice-starved palettes something other than salt and sugar as flavor.

Mace, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond all make an appearance in my version of this seasonal treat. Instead of using the typical pumpkin, I drew flavor from the West Indian Pumpkin that grows easily here on St. Croix, while also adding some other distinctively island tastes like coconut and hot ginger to spice things up even more!

West Indian Pumpkin Puree | Crucian Contessa
West Indian Pumpkin Puree | Crucian Contessa

Try this treat on a cool Fall morning, and then listen for the sound of surf and sand in the background of this tropical feast of flavors!

Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cups coconut milk
  • 3/4 cups almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons fresh pumpkin puree
  • 1 sprig of fresh mace, or pinch of ground mace
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • Pinch of ground clove
  • Tiny pinch of salt
  • 2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • Sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, etc.)
  • Whipped cream or milk foam and extra cinnamon for garnishing

The first time I ever saw the typical pumpkin-colored pumpkin was when I was in college. Most of the pumpkins grown on the island are the West Indian variety, or as my friend and favorite anthropologist Alfredo shared, they are called “Seminole Pumpkins.”

He said they are native to South America, but meandered their way to Florida and to the West Indies. Their exterior is green or sometimes a buttery yellow with green and white speckles. The inside, however, is a beautiful fire-yellow/orange.

I find the flavor of the West Indian Pumpkin to be far more intense than the typical pumpkin. If you get a chance to try it, use it. It works beautifully in pies or even in your morning coffee!

Directions:
In a small sauce pan add coconut and almond milks, fresh pumpkin puree (Grudgingly: you can use the canned pumpkin if you have to.), cinnamon, ginger, clove, and salt. Simmer this mixture on medium-low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Remove from the heat and pour through a fine sieve. Add the coffee/espresso and sweeteners to your taste. A dollop of whipped cream or steamed milk foam and extra cinnamon for dusting. Depending on the size of your morning mug this can yield about two servings. Share one with a friend or savor it all by yourself.

Good to the last Crucian drop! | Crucian Contessa
Good to the last Crucian drop! | Crucian Contessa

This is a great anytime treat that you don’t have to wait until the Fall to enjoy. Never miss a chance to add flavor to your food. Spice it up a bit in the kitchen (and all the areas of your life)!

This drink is full of good for you ingredients made fresh!

Your West Indian-style Pumpkin Spice Latte awaits | Crucian Contessa
Your West Indian-style Pumpkin Spice Latte awaits | Crucian Contessa

Relax and Enjoy!!

Fantastic, Tanisha, thanks for sharing! For more great recipes like this, be sure to check in regularly at CrucianContessa.com, and follow Tanisha on Facebook.

Last updated by Tanisha Bailey-Roka on .

Related Posts

Spratt Hall, St. Croix | SBPR
🇻🇮U.S. Virgin Islands

West Is Best in St. Croix

The axiom has held true in St.Croix for as long as anyone can remember. West Is Best – much less a reckless boast espoused by the residents of Frederiksted than an affirmation generally shared by all Crucians of the many things that make the left coast of our home island so special.
79
Shares
dolphin fish?
Caribbean

Eating Dolphin: A Primer for the Uninitiated

Dolphin FISH aka mahi-mahi grilled up with a side of rice and peas, plus a side salad is one of the best lunches a traveler could ask for in the Caribbean.
33
Shares
Stew Conch and Fungi
🇻🇮St. Croix

At Home at Harvey’s Restaurant, St. Croix: Taste of the Caribbean

71
Shares
Send this to a friend